Citing a desire for more playing time, sophomore Tom Waterman is considering transferring from the University of Maine basketball team.

Waterman confirmed Monday he has requested and received from the university the release that will allow him to speak to other coaches about the possibility of a transfer.

Waterman said he received that release about a week and a half ago, but pointed out that he has not yet talked with representatives from any other school.

“I’m just taking it kind of slow right now, exploring my options,” said Waterman, who said that if he does transfer, he won’t likely head to another Division I school. “I’m not in any hurry to make a decision right now.”

The 5-foot-10 point guard has been at UMaine for three years, including a “redshirt” year as a freshman. In two years of competitive basketball at the school he has played in 26 of the Black Bears’ 60 games.

He played 85 minutes in his first season of eligibility but saw only 31 minutes of playing time as the Bears went 18-11 during the recently completed campaign.

He scored three points in 2000-2001 after tallying 18 in his first year of action.

Waterman is still working out with the Bears as they take part in small-group workouts with coaches and scrimmage on their own. But he said he’s thinking about heading to a school where he’d play a larger role.

“I just want to experience more playing time at the college level,” Waterman said.

Waterman said the status of UMaine coach John Giannini, who has been mentioned as a candidate for other Division I coaching positions, will not play a role in his decision.

Giannini could not be immediately reached for comment.

Waterman was a standout athlete at Bangor High before graduating in 1998. He was named the state’s Gatorade football player of the year during his senior season, and the Rams won state baseball championships his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.

Bangor also annexed state titles in basketball during his freshman and sophomore years. In his four years as a starter, the Rams went 79-6. As a senior, he averaged 14.2 points, 6.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 steals and was a first-team All-Maine selection.

Because of his success in baseball, many local sports observers have long theorized that Waterman could switch sports and be competitive at the college level.

Waterman said that switch was not an option.

“It’s been too long to try to pick up the glove again,” he said.